Images of self: male separation, female connectedness

Key words: relationships, childhood, self-portraits, accomplishment, self-

descriptions, judgement, justice, autonomous, care.

Personalities: Gilligan, N. Chodorov

Summery

The theme of separateness and connectedness plays a central role in

psychological thought.

Plan

1. Male and female self-image

2. The difference between the self-descriptions of men and women

3. Gender differences in identity

1. «How would you describe yourself to yourself? ». This question was asked to
women. The answers reveal a common image which guides women throughout
their lives. These responses show a feminine fusion of identity and intimacy.
Women speak of being a daughter, wife, mother, lover or friend. They define who
they are by describing relationships. Contrary to the words of attachment chosen
by women, men select a vocabulary of self-reference that is clearly individualistic.
The male ‘’I’’ is defined by separation. Men distinguish themselves from others by
their accomplishments and they individual climb to the top is a solitary pursuit.
Masculine and feminine self-portraits are consistent with childhood fairy tales.
The common male fantasy is going alone into the world to slay dragons. The
typical female dream is an intimate relationship.

2. Gilligan says the male image of going forth alone is consistent with masculine
relationship patterns. The average adult male has a wide circle of friendly
relations, but not intimate friends. Women are in the center of a web of
connectedness. The difference between the self- descriptions of men and of
women is consistent with the distinction in the fields of group dynamics. Groups
need a mix of task-oriented and relationship-oriented members. Male tend to be
more concerned with getting the job done; females tend to be considered with
holding the group together.

3. The researchers found out that men think in terms of violence much more than
women. Men feared intimate situations while women are afraid of isolation.
Gender differences in identity are grounded in early childhood experiences with a
person who provides primary physical and emotional nature, usually the infant's
mother. That is that is she actually shares of the ideas of N. Chodorov. Early girls
discover that they are like their mothers. Boys’ first psychic task is to understand
that they aren't like their mothers. The result is an adult population of men who
see themselves as separate from others and of women who think in terms of
connectedness. The link between gender and moral judgment is particularly
strong in the teenage years when young men and women are highly self-
conscious Justice is ultimate moral maturity for adolescents who see themselves
as autonomous. Care is the ultimate responsibility of adolescents who see
themselves linked to others.
Conclusion
Men are more differentiated and independent, and women are more
empathic and desire higher intimacy. Males are more separate and females are
more connected.

Reference
Гендерная лингвистика: Учеб.-метод. комплекс для студ. 4курса/
Сост.М.Д.Путрова. – Новополоцк: ПГУ, 2005. – 12 с.